Actors networks in the Bioceanic Road Corridor “Mato Grosso do Sul – Ports of Northern Chile”: diagnosis and proposal for a multilevel governance

Abstract

The Bi-Oceanic Road Corridor (BRC) connecting Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile is a Project designed to offer new development opportunities to peripheral regions in the Tropic of Capricorn. However, regional transformation requires more than just physical infrastructure; it particularly requires effective coordination among different actors to achieve development. The main objective of this study is to provide a detailed explanation of the actor network structure within the Bi-Oceanic Road Corridor and propose a potential governance approach that facilitates a better coordination among its participants. Using social network analysis (SNA), we explored the dynamics of participation amongthese actors. Our primary findings reveal a low level of private sector engagement, limited transnational links (with more interactions occurring among actors from the same country), scarce connections between national and subnational/local government actors, as well as minimal involvement of the national government in Argentina. Regarding the governance proposal, we suggest the creation of two new committees (Social and Environmental Development, and Border Security), the promotion of business missions with a regional integration approach, and the preservation of the progress made by the BRC Working Group.

Keywords
Bi-oceanic Road Corridor; Infrastructure Integration; South America; Governance